Crawford Writing & Marketing

How To Define And Achieve Your Success: A Guest Article From Beth Ann Erickson

2010-06-19T01:26:00.000-05:00

In my last post, I promised to announce the winners of my writing contest. I apologize for the delay, AGAIN.

Next week, the winners and prizes will be announced, awarded and the winning entries posted here and on my website. My most sincere apologies to everyone. I've had a lot of personal issues to deal with the last few months and I am happy to report things are back to "normal", so to speak.

I appreciate your patience during this difficult time in my life. I am now committed more than ever to making my writing career and business the priority it should have been all along. If you want to read more about it, go to my personal blog at http://www.greetingsfromthepolebarn.blogspot.com/.

I will be writing an article and posting it here next week.

This week, the featured article is from Beth Ann Erickson of Filbert Publishing. Enjoy, and see you next week!

How to Define and Achieve Your Success

Beth Ann Erickson

You can easily define your success and achieve it.

But here’s the rub: You must, absolutely must, know what you want. You need to define what success means to you.

Does success mean a six figure income? Does it mean you set your own hours?

Does it mean you’re working with people you enjoy? Maybe you want to make a difference in your community.

Perhaps you want to ________ (fill in the blank).

Once you define success, once you know what you want out of this biz, it will become your Polaris, continually guiding you through this crazy profession.

Whenever a new opportunity arises, and new opportunities always arise, you can measure it against whether or not it will enhance your voyage toward Polaris.

It’s tough to say “no” to a potential assignment, but when you follow this path, you’ll be amazed at how assignments present themselves, you evaluate, you decide whether or not to take on the task, and how new, targeted doors will continually open.

Once you know exactly what you want to achieve, you leave the rest to the magic of the universe.

You don’t know exactly how you’ll achieve your goal. Those doors open exactly when you need them.

It actually becomes a matter of trust.

But I can break it down a little more.

You know what you want, then you pour hope into the process.

You send the query, then you hope.

You hope you’ll eventually hit pay dirt.

As long as you cultivate hope into your career, you won’t consider the option of giving up.

You cultivate hope by engaging in regular, consistent marketing. You send out a set number of queries every day. You send out solicitation letters. You write that second novel.

As long as there’s a glimmer of a chance that your short term goal can be realized, you’ll experience that all-important ray of hope.

Then, as you notice you’re making consistent progress towards your Polaris (as a result of your consistent action) your hope begins to evolve into full-fledged belief.

Hope begets belief.

This is a nearly imperceptible shift in your mindset.

One day you’re hoping you can make a living as a writer. Then you achieve just a few acceptance letters. Unknowingly, you tentatively strengthen your hope and find yourself believing that you can actually achieve your goal.

You know you believe when you feel confident joy as you write. You’re beginning to feel an inkling of adventure as you query, research, and plan your next project. Positive thoughts begin to outweigh the negative ones.

You believe you can actually achieve your loftiest goals, you believe nearly anything you can imagine if possible.

But it gets even better.

As you move along and allow belief to grow, you will eventually settle into a sense of knowingness.

Belief gives birth to Knowing.

You begin with hope. Hope grows into belief. Belief begets knowing.

Somewhere along the line, as you remain faithful in writing, marketing, querying, you begin to understand that marketing is a numbers game.

As you send out queries, you know a certain number of them will hit pay dirt. You understand that as you write a set number of words every day, you know that your skills will continue to develop and grow.

You no longer need to believe that all will work out, you know it will.

Subtle yet very distinct difference.

The bridge between belief and knowing may seem insurmountable when you’re in the “hope” stage, but as you proceed through your writing career, you’ll find the progress through these three stages as natural as breathing. As beautiful as the writing process itself.

All that is required throughout this process is continual, faithful action.

Write daily. Market on a regular basis.

Remain faithful no matter what physical reality may look like. The inward landscape always trumps what our physical senses may be perceiving.

You may occasionally feel discouragement, but when you focus on your Polaris, if you busy yourself acting like a busy writer, you will very soon find yourself living a busy writer life.

More on this next time. :)

~~~

Beth Ann Erickson is the “Queen Bee” of Filbert Publishing. You've just read an excerpt from her newest title, “Advice to Freelance Writers: Insider Secrets to Effective Shoestring Marketing, Managing a Winning Mindset, and Thriving in Any Economy, Volume 2. You can order your own copy along with a ton of freebies by clicking here.

P.S. You can use this article free of charge on your own website or zine. Just don’t make any changes and be sure to include the entire byline. Enjoy!~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

New Changes Coming In The Weeks Ahead

2010-03-01T19:06:00.002-06:00

For those who are waiting impatiently for the results of my 1st Annual Fall Writing Contest, the wait will soon be over. The end of this month, I will announce the winners and award the prizes. I apologize for the delay. I've had some issues to deal with in the last few weeks.

But those are soon to be behind me. I have come to terms with what I need to do, and will be implementing some much needed changes to my business, my blogs and my websites.

First, I have a sale going on. My ebooks are now on sale for $9 each on my website. Go to www.crawfordwriting.com and check out "The Golden Rules of Making Money" and also "Prosperity Games". Sale ends soon, so don't delay.

Next, I will be holding seminars, and teleseminars. I am also working on an audio CD. Stay posted for futher details.

If you have any suggestions or ideas, I would love to hear from you. Please contact me at laura@crawfordwriting.com or crawfordwriting@yahoo.com.

And thanks for your patience. :)

Toast the New Year With Lemonade

2009-12-30T13:53:00.001-06:00

I'm watching the CBS Evening News last night and on the segment "Spirit of America" they told the story of a group of advertising executives and writers who were laid off, got together and decided to make a movie about how the lay off turned their lives around.

It's called "Lemonade", as in, "Life hands you lemons, make lemonade." I've seen the trailer and as my gift to all of you I am posting it on both of my blogs.

It amazes me still that something so simple, can change your focus in an instant. I've been looking for something to give my ideas and my life some sort of direction, and this little segment did, and after watching this trailer, I ordered the DVD. I'm now inspired to live my life on my terms. If they could do it, I can do it. Bless your circumstances this year, and bless the ones to come. And make lots of lemonade.

Happy New Year, Everyone!

Hyperbole, Exaggeration, and Half Truths

2009-12-07T00:33:00.002-06:00

(Today's blog post is written by Beth Ann Erickson of Filbert Publishing and was obtained from www.ezinearticles.com)

You've seen the webpages. I'm sure you have. They dissolve on your computer screen in a flurry of red headlines, black text, and little yellow boxes filled with gushing platitudes and exclamation marks. I'm talking about those one-page websites filled with promises to make your life easier, your wallet fatter... designed to make your wildest dreams come true.

They're the ones that claim to teach you such indispensable skills as how to "manifest" as much money as you'd like (up to $100,000!) simply by following a five-step "system." Or how would you like to attract potential clients to your business until they're "tingling" to give you their money again and again?

Or better yet, did you know you can purchase a "100% 'Legitimate' Way To Quickly & Easily Drive Targeted Cash-In-Hand Prospects And Visitors To Any Of Your Websites at NO Cost." PLUS you can even watch a "'shocking' play-by-play underground video" that'll "prove" this person's claims.

Based upon the number of these little one-page sales gems, I'd venture to guess that this form of selling is probably pretty lucrative. After all, if these sites didn't generate an income, they wouldn't exist.

But I have to wonder who would actually fall for these sales pitches. Seriously. Does any reader truly believe that any one product would live up to the hype generated on these sites? Probably not. And yet, people buy.

At least, that's what we're led to believe. Each morning I begin my day curled into my Lazy-Boy rocker reading. I read anything I can get my hands on, but I particularly enjoy marketing books.

This past week, while soaking in book #3 in the Wizard of Ads trilogy by Roy H. Williams, I'm struck by his most humane view of his client's potential customers. Williams says that instead of writing to a greedy non-faced entity whose only goal is to pour dollars into their pocket, he suggests that our readers are human beings. People who live a complex life as family members, brothers, sisters, parents.

According to Williams we shouldn't insult our readers by expecting them to believe anything less than the truth. He says, "The simple truth is that nothing sounds quite so much like the truth as the truth, and most people seem to know the truth when they hear it. The truth is never full of loopholes and generalities. The truth is made of specifics and substantiation, it's solid. That's why it's easy to spot in a world full of paper-thin lies, half lies, and hype." (Secret Formulas of the Wizard of Ads, page 15).

My suggestion? Avoid hyperbole, exaggeration, and half truths and instead focus on each product's benefits and USP (unique selling proposition). If you do this, you can avoid most of these unbelievable claims made by markets who should know better than to dehumanize their audience by appealing to the most base of human nature. After all, I like to think we're writers bent on making this world a better place, not hucksters out to make a quick buck.

Beth Ann Erickson is the queen bee of Filbert Publishing and editor of Writing Etc., the free zine that'll make your writing sparkle, help you create a profitable writing career, and get you on the road to publication fast. You'll receive the e-booklet, "Power Queries" when you subscribe today. http://FilbertPublishing.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Beth_Erickson http://EzineArticles.com/?Hyperbole,-Exaggeration,-and-Half-Truths&id=3117794

Contest Update

2009-11-18T23:14:00.003-06:00

Due to the large number of entries, the winners and prizes of the 1st Annual Fall Writing Contest will be announced and awarded on December 5, 2009.

Thank you for your patience.

NaNoWriMo Is Here!

2009-11-01T20:46:00.002-06:00

November 1st is the kick off date for National Novel Writing Month. In the next 30 days I will attempt for the 4th time, to write a novel or 50,000 words.

I've won 2 times, and going for my 3rd win will be especially sweet this year. I need an emotional boost. But I'm upping the ante this year by setting my goal to have my 50,000 words within 7 days or less.

To all of my fellow writers, I hope you all reach your goals. Good luck and I'll see you on the other side. :)

Happy Halloween 2009

2009-10-30T23:49:00.001-05:00

Today is Halloween.

It is also the end of my writing contest and the end of the Think Pink Book Challenge. I sold one book, and no, it wasn't to myself or anyone else I know. With a dollar from each entry in the writing contest, and the book I sold, and what I'm chipping in, I will be sending a check to Susan G. Komen Foundation for $20.

Thanks to all who participated. I truly appreciate it.

November 1st kicks off National Novel Writing Month. I am participating this year, again, with a goal to have my book finished within a week. I did a bit of "training" this year, trying to make my "quota" of 2,000 words-a-day, and for the most part, I've met or exceeded that goal, and in one weekend I wrote over 10,000 words. It's a doable goal, and I will keep you all posted with my progress. If you are participating, and need a "buddy", write or email me.

The contest winners will be announced on November 15, 2009, so good luck to those who entered. I'm excited to see who wins.

My son is also coming home for Thanksgiving, so I will be counting the days (25) until he's here.

That's all for now.

I hope you all have a very safe and Happy Halloween!

Teleseminar Postponed to Thursday 11/05/09

2009-10-29T23:32:00.000-05:00

The teleseminar entitled, "Forget the Recession" is postponed to next Thursday, November 5, 2009.

Times: 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm

Cost: $11 per person, which includes free MP3 recording of call on CD or digital download.

And other fabulous gifts.

Hope to see you there.

2009-10-28T03:28:00.001-05:00

I don’t know about you, but I’m sick and tired of this whole recession.

Didn’t they say it was over?

Oh, it’s almost over?

What?!

What does that mean?

We’re not as broke today as we were yesterday?

Guess what? We’re still broke!

How broke?

1. We’re so broke, Bill Gates had to switch to dial up.

2. We’re too broke to pay attention.

3. We’re too broke to have health insurance and those that do will die of H1N1 because there isn’t enough vaccine. Who knows, if enough of us with no insurance can stay healthy, we will have health insurance.

4. We’re so broke we’re looking to buy that “Box” from the movie trailer to get the million dollars. The moral dilemma is someone has to die. Maybe we will get lucky and it will be Osama Bin Laden. Or Bernie Madoff. Or the CEO of AIG.

5. We’re so broke we’d sleep with Robert Redford for a million dollars. And that goes for the ladies, too.

6. We’re so broke we have carpal tunnel from hanging on to our money so tightly.

7. We’re so broke we have arthritis from pinching so many pennies.

8. We’re so broke we could cry.

Please, don’t cry.

Instead, remember, laughter is free, and so is thought.

It’s time to Rock this Recovery.

Join me for my teleseminar “Forget the Recession” on Thursday, October 29, 2009.

Times are 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm Central Standard time.

Registration fee is $11.00, because I’m easy, not cheap. (See #5).

What you’ll get out of it:

*You’ll laugh a lot,

*You’ll learn a few things about money and thought and how to put the two together positively, and,

*You’ll leave feeling a little better than you did before you arrived.

If not, I’ll refund your money, no questions asked. Every penny.

To register, go to http://www.crawfordwriting.com/ and click on “Teleseminar Info”

The times and date don’t work for you? No problem. Register anyway. The call is being recorded. You’ll get an MP3 of the call on a CD or as a digital download. Same price. Same guarantee. No shipping and handling charges.

Search those couch cushions and sign up now.

I Think I Need A Chicken Suit And Dancing Lessons

2009-10-18T21:58:00.003-05:00

I'm watching the news tonight on one of the local stations, and they had a story about a Domino's Pizza in St. Paul, Minnesota. No new pizza recipes, but there is a new recipe for marketing.

They have a dancing chicken. No kidding!

There is an employee, who dances with another employee, and they are bringing in more business.

Maybe that's not such a bad idea. Only, I don't have a chicken suit, and I can't dance.

At all.

But it's inspiring for me because it shows that even in this economy, people are not giving up and they are still creative when it comes to marketing.

I wish them the best of luck, and they are learning how to do the "Thriller Dance". I'll be keeping an eye out for that one. :)

Have a great week.

I won at the casino! I won at the casino! LOA Rocks!

2009-10-09T00:18:00.005-05:00

For those of you who have been studying the LOA (Law of Attraction), part of making your manifestations or dreams come true involves "pretending" that you have received what you ask for. It works like this:

1. You ask for something you really want. You have to feel fabulous when you think of this something. The top things asked for are: money, homes, cars, jobs, and someone to love. So, think of what you want. Then ask for it. Ask God, the Universe, your Higher Power, and then move to step 2.

2. Believe you deserve to have it. Yes, I believe you should have it, so you should believe you should have it. You are the child of a King, start acting like it. I don't mean be a jerk and act like everyone should wait on you hand and foot, but just know that good things are coming your way.

2.a. There is a little codicle to this step. You have to let it go. Believe God or the Universe is going to deliver it and let go THE HOW of when it will show up. Everyone has a hard time with this, so this will take some practice. I know, it's hard for me.

We humans want to control how things come into our lives, we want to control those "X" factors that we really have no business controlling. Remember, God is a Creator, and sometimes, creation takes time. There is no failure, just a delay in results, as Helene Hadsell says. She should know. She's won every contest she's ever entered for the past 50 years, including a new home. How? She let go, and let God. Get out of His way so He can do His job.

3. Be ready to receive. If you don't believe you should receive it, you will experience a delay in results. If you have any little inkling of doubt or worry or fear, or have any negative thoughts as to how it's going to arrive, then you will experience a delay in results. Fear, doubt, worry, and negativity, act as roadblocks and will re-route your dreams.

You also have to be ready. Prepare your life for your dreams. If you want more money, make a list of how much and what you will do with it when it gets here. Don't spend it for real until it arrives. Spend it in your head, and then "pretend" you have another installment coming from your own spiritual escrow.

Yes, you have an account that holds all that you desire. The problem is, you are the only one with the "access code". If you are not in alignment with the vibrations of the Universe, then you will be denied access to your account. Think of your thoughts as spiritual "PIN" numbers. :)

If you spend a little time on this each day, you will be amazed at what you can manifest into your life. Make your manifestations good things. If you want to manifest something for someone else, that's ok too, but the results will vary. If it is something they truly desire, your energy with their energy will make it appear faster. But it isn't something they truly want, then you may be disappointed that they aren't excited about their manifestation.
You will see faster results with your own desires.

The main key to all of this is gratitude. Be grateful first for what you have. Notice the contrast of what you don't have, but first and foremost, you must be grateful for what you have. If you aren't sure what to be grateful for, start with a list: health, family, friends, job, money coming into your life, money going out of your life (it means money is flowing naturally in and out of your life), your home, your life, the sunrise and sunset, your car, and anything else you love.

But what about those who are struggling or living in poverty? What about those people who have lost their homes and jobs and are going through a really hard time? Be grateful for your circumstances. You have a lot of things to be grateful for, including the struggle. Why? It will make you stronger, it will bring you to what is most important. Remember, "this too shall pass", and it will leave your life faster when you start to feel better.

Feeling better starts in your head. Start with some small thing that makes you smile, or laugh. Look at something beautiful. Remember a time when things were better, then feel how that was. The feeling will bring it faster. And always, write down what you want. It's like placing your order with the Universe.

And we are going to the casino tomorrow.

Did I tell you, I won at the casino?

Be a part of the Prosperity Experiment. Kits will be available soon. Go to http://www.crawfordwriting.com/ and click on "Prosperity Experiment".

It's All About the Money (Yes & No)

2009-10-06T22:14:00.006-05:00

Yes, I admit it, I'm a shameless marketer.

It's why I put the name "Marketing" in my business name. But no matter what business you are in, you have to market or you won't get paid. It's all about the money.

And not.

Let me explain.

Money is a tool. Money brings with it lots of good things: food, clothing, shelter, gas in the car, insurance, electricity, Internet service, phone service, medical insurance, and maybe even a movie or a dinner out. If you aren't marketing and testing, you aren't making money. And I don't work for free. Do you?

For some reason, people think if you are a writer, or an artist, or work in some business other than a typical "brick and mortar" business, you will accept anything that comes down the pike, like any amount of money someone will offer you for a job. That's ridiculous!

Try this: Call up a plumber and ask them what they charge. Then call them for a job and see if they will just take what you offer them. They will laugh at you, and then ask for their fee. All of it.

I called a plumber out of desperation this summer because our bathtub was plugged and wasn't draining. We tried everything short of dynamite to get it unplugged. Finally, I called the local plumber. They came out, put a hose down the drain, and blew the sucker clear. They were there about 15 minutes, maybe 20 minutes maximum.

The bill?

$90.

Did I try to tell them they should take only $30 because I have a friend who is a plumber who can do it for me for that price? No. He would have laughed at me asked me why I didn't call my friend the plumber.

I paid it.

Why? That is his fee and is what the market will bear.

Was I happy to pay $90 for only 15 minutes of work? No. But his fee is what it is for his field of expertise.

So, for those who think I'm just in this business for the money, you're right.

And if you think I'm in this business ONLY for the money, you are wrong.

I write because I have this insatiable need to put words on paper, or on the screen. I have a mind that won't shut off. It's like the bunny with the battery pack, it keeps going, and going, and going. I have tried to stop writing and it worked about as well as my trying to stop breathing. I became light-headed and sick and felt like I was going to die.

But I also live for the things money can't buy. The letter from a reader saying the words I wrote moved them to tears, or helped them reunite with an estranged loved one, or made them laugh so hard they fell out of their chair. Those emails, calls and letters give me goosebumps and I tingle for days.

Then there are those who tell me that I'm a hack. I'm high if I think I'll ever make it as a writer, or that they wouldn't buy my book if it was the last book to read on Earth.

Fine. I'm ok with that. I'm not going to make everyone happy all of the time, which is true whether I have pen in hand or not. It's part of the business. If you can't take rejection, and if you take it personally, you have no business being in the writing business.

It's a good thing I have a thick skin. And a never ending optimistic attitude.

So, yes, I have a challenge to sell 1,000 books by the end of the month and part of those sales is going to charity, but I'm not going to stop believing and pursuing my goal. If I make it, whoohoo, I'll celebrate.

If I miss the mark, I'll learn from the experience, and improve my efforts in the next promotion. But I'm not going to stop. Ever. This is my life, and this is what I want more than anything. And I want it for all the good things it will bring to me and those I love.

And I'm grateful to be able to pursue it. And I'm confident I'll not only meet that goal, but I will EXCEED IT.

See you at the top. :)

Think Pink Book Challenge

2009-10-01T11:51:00.006-05:00

The 1,000 Book Challenge
for
National Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Hi, Everyone,

As you know I was issued a challenge a few weeks ago.

To sell 1,000 books by Halloween (October 31, 2009).

I've decided to take $1 (one dollar) from each book sold and donate it to the Susan G. Komen Foundation in honor of my mother and her two sisters.

All three were diagnosed, underwent surgical intervention and chemotherapy and radaition for the two sisters.

Here's their story: A Tale of Three Sisters

In return for helping me reach my goal, I have some great bonuses for you.
First, you will receive the first two chapters of my book "Permission Granted",

Second, you will receive a free pass to my upcoming teleseminar, a $25 value.

Third, the price of the book "The Golden Rules of Making Money (And How To Use Them)" will stay at $19 until Halloween.

Fourth, my gratitude in helping an organization that helps thousands of women survive this disease and helps their families cope with the trauma of surgery and treatment, with courage, humor and community. Each customer will receive a personal thank you from me.

As of now, there are 2.5 million breast cancer survivors. But many more can be saved if the disease is detected early. Please do your breast self-exams at least once a month and get a mammogram every year.

In this economy, there are women who are not getting the tests they need to get an early diagnosis and early treatment. There are ways to get a free or low cost mammogram and cervical cancer screening, just go to http://www.mnsage.com/ and see if you qualify.

For more information, go to my Resources page at http://www.crawfordwriting.com/ and click on "Think Pink Links."

I can't wait to exceed this challenge.

Thank you in advance for all your help,

Laura

1,000 Book Challenge

2009-09-22T11:50:00.002-05:00

I’ve been issued a challenge.

Sell 1,000 books by Halloween, October 31, 2009.

Will you please help me?

Not only will you get “The Golden Rules of Making Money (And How To Use Them)” the resource guide I wrote, but you will also get “The Art of Money Getting” by P.T. Barnum and the first two chapters of my upcoming book, “Permission Granted: Allow Yourself To Live the Life You Are Born To Live” all for only $19.

Just click here to order it now.

This is available as a download or on a CD. If you order the CD, the shipping is FREE, and the price is the same.

In addition, for the first 11 customers (11 is my lucky number), I am offering freeee passes to my teleseminar. It’s a $25 value.

The details on the teleseminar will be announced on Friday, September 25, 2009, so stay tuned.

I know it seems impossible, but I’m confident with your help, I cannot only meet this challenge, I will exceed it.

I will keep you all posted with my progress.

Thank you so much in advance for all your help!

The Links Are Fixed

2009-09-14T09:31:00.003-05:00

For those who contacted me about "The Golden Rules of Making Money (And How To Use Them)" e-book, I wanted to let you all know the links are fixed now.

I was contacted by several people that when they went to purchase the e-book set, they didn't have live links to download the e-books. I have corrected that problem and I apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

If you would like to purchase the e-book set, please go to my website, www.crawfordwriting.com and on the left side of the home page scroll down to the book title. Click on it and it will take you to the sales page. Click on the "Buy Now" button underneath the PayPal symbol and you will be directed to the PayPal site to purchase the e-book. Once your transaction is complete, then you will be directed to a page that includes the links.

If you have any further problems or questions, please contact me immediately. Thanks for your help.

Laura :)

Get Back Up!

2009-08-31T12:43:00.002-05:00

For those who have lost faith, or are just having a bad day, watch this. I found it this morning on Tony Robbins site. Have the tissues handy, and live today with no worries!

Go do Great Things!

The Golden Rules of Making Money (And How To Use Them) Workbook

2009-08-28T11:31:00.004-05:00

Money is a hot topic, no doubt about it. For the past two years, the pulse of the economy has been a leading story in newscasts, articles, e-zines, and magazines. Government bailouts, unemployment rates skyrocketing, and the mortgage crisis are still top news stories today. People are looking for answers: How to save money, how to avoid debt, how to make more money fast, and how to spend money wisely are questions being asked in all forms of media.

Sometimes the answer isn’t in the present, but lies in the past.

P.T. Barnum, the founder of the Barnum & Bailey Circus, wrote “The Art of Money-Getting or, Golden Rules of Making Money” almost 130 years ago, but the secrets and rules he wrote are timeless.

The workbook “The Golden Rules of Making Money (And How To Use Them) Workbook” navigates the reader through the P.T. Barnum book to help the reader use the advice and apply it in the 21st Century.

Some of the principles covered in both books are:

How to Avoid Debt
The Importance of Living Within Your Means
Finding Meaningful Work
Persevere
What Ever You Do, Do It With All Your Might
Make Money Work For You (not the other way around)

And a whole lot more.

And you can get it right now for the introductory price of only $19.

That's right. $19.

You will receive "The Golden Rules of Making Money" workbook, but you also receive, as my gift to you, "The Art of Money-Getting" by P.T. Barnum.

But this price won't last forever. You need to order now. Since they are both e-books, you can download them immediately after purchase. Just click on the PayPal button below:

It comes with a 30-Day, 100% Money Back Guarantee, so try it out for 30 days. If you are not satisfied with this product, simply notify me and I'll refund your money. No questions asked. And you keep the books, so you have nothing to lose!

Financial freedom can be yours. It was possible during P.T. Barnum's time, and it's possible now. Create your own economic stimulus package.

Order today!

It Costs Nothing to Be Kind

2009-08-28T11:15:00.003-05:00

Are people rude? Do you think it's because we are so out of touch that we are not aware of what's happening to our fellow human beings?

We are so plugged in to devices: players, phones, laptops, mini-computers, and our own thoughts, we don't always "see" what's going on around us.

And then there are those people who love to ruin your day just because.

If you see someone who needs help today, please, take a moment and help them. Hold the door for someone who has a lot of packages or small children. Pick up someone's bag if they drop it and give it back. And smile! We get so wrapped up in what other people can do for us we don't think we have to give before we receive.

Kindness is free. Give it wherever you go.

Choices Meant For Kings Is Released!

2009-08-22T01:50:00.001-05:00

My dear friend and fellow writer, Sandy Lender, has announced that the second book in the Choices Trilogy is officially released. If you haven't read "Choices Meant for Gods" yet, run, don't walk and get a copy fast and read it even faster. The second book picks up where the last one left off and you don't want to skip a beat with this one.

So please, go to http://www.archebooks.com/ and get your copy today. You can get the e-book for $3.99 and if you go now to her publisher's website, you will get a 25% discount on the hardcover book.

It's a page turner and I don't usually read fantasy fiction, but this world she created just sucks you right in and once you start reading, you can't put it down.

So, give yourself a little escape today. Go to http://www.archebooks.com/ and buy "Choices Meant for Kings" right now!

Thanks and happy reading!

Laura :)

1st Annual Fall Writing Contest

2009-08-18T23:23:00.005-05:00

Here are the Guidelines:

1) Must be 10 years of age or older.

2) Must have manuscript of 2,000 words or less.

3) Manuscripts must have a fall theme (changing color of the leaves, Halloween, etc.).

4) All entries must have contact information on the title page.

5) Entry fee of $10 must accompany each manuscript.

DEADLINE: OCTOBER 30, 2009.

Winners and prizes announced on November 15, 2009.

Here are the prizes:

GRAND PRIZE: $300 Cash (each age group)

(10 years to 17 years)

(18 years and older)

Send entries to:

Crawford Writing & Marketing

Fall Writing Contest

P.O. Box 76

Zimmerman, MN 55398

Good luck!

Websites Are Up

2009-08-07T13:01:00.004-05:00

Yes, it's true.

Finally, the websites are up. Notice I didn't say "Finished". No website is really ever "finished." You are constantly tweaking and improving them all the time. But they are up and live and running and soon I will have things set for newsletters and other fun events.

Go check them out here:

http://www.crawfordwriting.com/ for Crawford Writing & Marketing

http://www.lauramcrawford.com/ for my personal website.

http://www.recessionrescuesite.com/ for Recession Resuce, my project to help everyone save money, save time, and save your sanity in this economic chaos.

And...

http://www.legalizedextortionsite.com/ for my Legalized Extortion project. Exposing ways the government extorts money from the people by changing laws to suit them, not the people they are supposed to serve.

Please let me know what you think. And I will keep you posted on the improvements. :)

And the Winner is...

2009-08-02T01:53:00.004-05:00

Announcing to the world, the first Grand Prize Winner of my 1st Annual Summer Writing Contest,

Darlene Cole
Clifton Park, NY

Her entry was in the Fictional Short Story category, within the word count (1,884 words) and titled "When Minnie Met Mimi."

She is the ONLY Winner of this contest, so she gets the $500 cash. I will be contacting her tomorrow to tell her the good news.

Congratulations Darlene!

Thanks to all who entered and participated. I encourage you to enter in my next contest beginning on Monday, August 3, 2009. My 1st Annual Fall Writing Contest. Details and guidelines will be posted on Monday, so check back then!

Have a great weekend.

What I Learned About Sponsoring a Writing Contest

2009-07-22T01:50:00.006-05:00

In looking at the entries for my 1st Annual Summer Writing Contest, which ended on July 1st, I've learned quite a lot about sponsoring (and entering) a writing contest:

1. Contestants do not follow guidelines!
2. Contestants do not follow guidelines! and
3. I need to market my contest better.

As for Number 1 and Number 2, yes, Contestants do not follow guidelines! The entries I received that are in the possible "win a prize" file, well, there are only a few. Why?

There were contestants who did send an entry via mail or online, but they did not include the entry fee.

Contestants sent entries that had NOTHING to do with the categories I listed. I had some that were way out there, some sounded like op-ed pieces, some were sermon like, and some, well, they were just disturbing.

And, some were just way, way, way over the word count. The maximum for the contest was 2,000 words. One contestant sent a novel length manuscript.

The sad thing is, some of these would have been prize contenders, the stories were written well, some had a few errors, but they were overlooked because they had a STORY!

But, if you don't follow the guidelines given, you don't win a prize, no matter how good your story is. I know why some of my friends who are editors (one is a publisher), tear their hair out when they are reading queries or articles and the work is substandard, or just way out of bounds.

Writers (including me) complain that editors don't see true talent when it is right in front of them. That they are just way too picky to see that they have written the Great American Story, or Novel, or whatever, and are just being unfair when they get a rejection from said editor. I see now, after sitting in the editor's chair, that it is sometimes the fault of the writer. They are given a set of parameters to go by and they think if they break all the rules, they will be Stephen King Rich, and Oprah will be calling on the other line.

Snap out of it!

If you can't follow a simple set of instructions, guess what? You don't get paid! If you do a crappy job, send in crappy work, and basically don't give a hoot, then it will show. Be grateful if you get a rejection letter, or an email, and if your work comes back again and again, you need to stop, look at what you are sending out, and determine what's wrong with it.

Check your guidelines. Check them and then check them again. Make sure you are meeting each and every requirement. If you don't, you will be wasting paper. For all of our sakes, save some trees, and swallow your pride. Even Stephen King was rejected over and over, and look where he is now.

As for the marketing aspect, I take total responsibility. I needed to get more releases and the news about the contest out there in every way possible. I don't think I covered all the bases. Which is valuable information for me for when I sponsor the next contest.

What?!

Yes, I'm having a Halloween Writing Contest. The details are coming soon, so if you missed the summer contest, guess what? You have another shot to enter and win some cash!

For now, I will reveal the contest winners on August 1st. I think you will be surprised by the results.

Until then, keep writing!

Contest & Fundraiser End Today

2009-07-01T09:05:00.003-05:00

Today is the end of the 1st Annual Summer Writing Contest. If I receive any entries postmarked June 30, 2009, in the next few days, they will be considered for review in the contest. Anything postmarked from July 1, 2009, forward will not.

The Thank You Card Drive is over today as well. The results will be posted next week. Thanks to all of you who participated in both activities.

The $50 Million Dollar Prosperity Experiment will continue until December 31, 2009. If you have sent me a self-addressed stamped envelope and not received your $1 million bill yet, email me at crawfordwriting@yahoo.com and let me know. I will check to see if I sent it out yet. Most of you should receive it this week. I had to get more bills so there was a slight delay, which is why I am extending the experiment.

I will be announcing my ebook launch in the next few weeks. That will be my next "big thing."

Until then, have a very safe and happy 4th of July celebration.

One Week Left!

2009-06-24T10:05:00.003-05:00

There's only one week left for the writing contest and for the fundraiser. I've received a few interesting entries in the contest, so keep them coming!

And thanks to those who have donated for the fundraiser. It's going to a great cause and I'm sure they will be thankful to receive the cards and the money.

To enter, scroll down and click on the PayPal button and send your entry to the email address www.crawfordwriting@yahoo.com.

To donate, hit the "Donate" button and send whatever amount you want. Even one dollar is going to help. Or buy a card by clicking on the PayPal button and send your information to the email address in the previous paragraph.

Thanks to all for making this such a fun experience! I've truly learned a lot from it and hope to make my business better because of it.

A Birthday Wish

2009-06-10T10:56:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow I turn the big 4-0.

Yes, I'm REALLY THAT OLD!

So, for my birthday, my greatest wish is for more contestants for my contest, more donations and thank you cards given, and prosperity and abundance for all who are participating in the prosperity experiment.

For those who have not heard the latest, I was laid off my job last Thursday. I took it as just being a part of business, which in this economic climate, it is. My employers were astounded that I had such a positive attitude about the whole thing, and I felt that being a stinker about it was not the way to exit. I wanted to be remembered for my positivity, not my negativity. So, what happened next just affirmed my faith in this whole process.

The following day, Friday, my mother-in-law and I made a trip to Brainerd for her to take care of some paperwork. On the way home, she suggested we stop at Grand Casino Mille Lacs and have lunch. Ok. So, we had a lovely lunch at the Grand Buffet (their bread pudding with the whiskey sauce is divine!), and she wanted to try her luck.

I had borrowed her $10 the week before and she paid me back for it. I had another $10 bill and a $5 dollar bill left in my purse, that was all. So, we got change, and off we went. I played a Sizzling 7 machine and got nothing. I turned around and she was gone. The nice lady next to me said, "I think she was heading for the restrooms." Ok. I then went exploring. I walked over to a 2 penny machine that had a fishing theme. I put the $10 that she gave me that morning in and thought, "When this is gone, we'll go." On the 3rd spin, it started going nuts!! I won!! A little over $400!!! I found my MIL, and we then left.

I never win on these things, and I have no strategy or clue how to play them. I couldn't believe it! But it was a great sign that I'm on the right path with this experiment and the rest of what I'm doing. I'm now more excited to see what the day will hold, or what will happen. I feel things more than I ever have and I am finding myself paying more attention to how I feel in certain situations about things.

I'll keep you posted if anything more develops! In the meantime, keep thinking positively and let go of any expectations as to when the prosperity will show up. That's not your job, that's God's job. Your job is to feel good, and do things that make you feel good and be giving without hesitation. Magical things will happen. Just please let me know when they do!

Questions and Answers

2009-06-04T12:39:00.004-05:00

I've received a lot of emails on the Prosperity Experiment, as well as on the contest and the fundraiser, so I'm going to "Reply to All" right here. Here goes:

The Prosperity Experiment:

Q: How long do I have to do this visualization thing? I don't have much time as it is!

A: How about 68 seconds? I'm sure you have that much time, if not, make the time. The important thing is to feel good when you do it, not feel like it's one more thing on your "To Do" List. Think of it as a small, mental health break, a long refreshing breath of fresh air. Feel how good it will be to have the money that will allow so much freedom in your life. And smile!

Q: Isn't this "worshipping money? Isn't money the "root of all evil?"

A: No and No. You are not worshipping the money, and the quote is actually, "the LOVE of money is the root of all evil". If you have any hangups about money at all : there's not enough money to go around, only the rich and the lucky ever have enough money, money is bad, money is evil, money causes problems, etc., then you will find the opposite effect happening.

Money is called "currency" for a reason. Like a river flowing in and out of your life, money flows in and out of our lives. Ironically, the more you give, the more you receive. It's green because it's growing and it even says on it (the real stuff) "In God We Trust". Money brings more than heartache, problems, and greed. It provides goods and services for all the things we enjoy and use everyday, not just the necessities. Think of the money flowing to your life, and when you receive money, even if it is expected, BE THANKFUL!

Q: What is the point of all this? What if it doesn't work?

A: The point is to open your mind to possibilities and opportunities, and to change the collective mindset from being negative and in a paycheck to paycheck mentality to a prosperity mentality. If it does nothing more than give you 68 seconds of relief each day, or put a smile on your face, that's better than you've had before, isn't it?

Q: Are you looking for money or is there some fee to be a part of this?

A: I'm not looking to get paid for doing this, and there is no fee to participate. I'm looking to expand this beyond 50 people by getting more million dollar bills. If you want one, it will only cost you two (2) postage stamps: Send me a SASE (Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope) to my mailing address:

CRAWFORD WRITING & MARKETING
PROSPERITY EXPERIMENT
P.O.BOX 76
ZIMMERMAN, MN 55398

I have a few of the original million dollar bills available, so hurry if you want one!

Q: This money is FAKE! How is the REAL thing supposed to show up if I am looking at a FAKE?

A: Yes, the money is FAKE. Please do not try to use it as real money, or you will end up in a lot of trouble with the police!

However, actors and athletes used props to try and manifest the real successes they achieved in their own lives. For example: Jim Carrey, the funny actor who starred in "In Living Color" and later in movies, was so broke at one time in his life, his family was living in a van! He decided he wanted to be a successful actor, so he wrote out a check to himself for "Acting Services Rendered" in the amount of seven million dollars ($7 million dollars) to be paid in five (5) years. He carried it in his wallet, and everytime he hit a snag or felt down or thought things were not going right, he would look at that check and imagine what it would be like to cash it for REAL! Look at his career!!

Other actors practice their Oscar speeches with a shampoo bottle as the Oscar or the hairbrush and a lot of them have revealed this in their REAL LIFE SPEECHES!!! Olympic athletes will hang a "gold medal" around their neck and imagine them standing on the winner's platform with the National Anthem playing in the background.

The mind is a powerful tool! Don't underestimate it!

THE WRITING CONTEST AND THE THANK YOU CARD DRIVE

Q: Is this contest for real? I haven't seen anything in the papers about it, so I think you're just taking our money and that there really aren't any prizes.

A: The contest is REAL! As for it being in the newspapers, news releases are going out and if the papers decide to publish the news about my contest, then great! If not, I am going through other media channels to promote it.

Oh, and I have the money up front to award the prizes. If I didn't, I wouldn't have started the contest.

Q: Do I have to buy a thank you card? Can't I just donate some money?

A: No, you don't have to buy a card. If you look in my previous posts, there is a button where you can donate directly through PayPal to this cause. Or you can go to Operation Minnesota Nice and make a donation to them directly.

Well, I hope that answers your questions. If you have anymore, please don't hesitate to contact me. Good luck and thanks for your input!

The $50 Million Dollar Prosperity Experiment

2009-06-02T11:49:00.004-05:00

What would you do with a million dollars?

Have you ever thought about it? Have you ever thought how it would feel to just hold it in your hands, and feel that relief hit you that you don't have to worry about money ever again, the freedom you would gain?

In this time of economic bailouts for large corporations and the roller coaster ride of the stock market, and the constant bad news you hear every night on the television or read online or in the newspaper, I decided it was time for a change.

I call it my $50 Million Dollar Prosperity Experiment.

It all started when I was surfing eBay one night and found an auction that was offering fifty (50), one million dollar bills. They are fake, of course, but I was inspired to bid on them and I WON!

I received them yesterday, and I sat there holding them, thinking, "I'm holding $50 million dollars!" and my heart started to beat a little faster. Then I got a brilliant idea. Here's how this is going to work:

If you received a million dollar bill from me, you have the next thirty (30) days to follow these steps:

1. Everyday, for the next 30 days, hold that million dollar bill in your hands and look at it. Imagine it's real.

2. Be grateful for having a million dollars and all the other blessings in your life. Don't just say you are grateful. FEEL IT!

3. Think of all the things you could do with a million dollars: pay off your house, pay off all your bills, go on vacation, help out your family, buy that plasma television you've always wanted, buy that brand new car, and anything else you would ever want. The sky's the limit, because you are doing this in your mind, so there is no end to what you can buy or imagine for yourself with this million dollars! You could even get another million dollars if you want! There are NO LIMITS!

4. Here's the important thing: Keep track of anything happening unexpectedly during the next 30 days and write it down and report back to me. You can remain anonymous, but I'm putting a book together and you could be a part of it! The kinds of events I'm looking for are POSITIVE: you came into money unexpectedly (the REAL stuff), you got a new job, things seem to be going better for you, you won the lottery, it doesn't matter what it is, how big or how small, but if you notice a significant change or even just a small event that makes you go "Hmmm," I would appreciate you reporting back to me.

5. It's important that you do this when you are feeling good, happy, or upbeat. If you have any negative or cynical thoughts at all, you may be setting yourself up for the opposite effect. Nothing goes right for you, bad things start to happen, money doesn't seem to flow to you but away from you, etc. It's also important that you count your blessings that money can't buy: your health, your family, your job, your home, your ability to provide for yourself and your family, your community. You need to feel GRATEFUL, really FEEL IT, whether you have money or not.

The reason I am doing this experiment is more than just for the purposes of writing a book. I have been interested in the subject of manifesting your own prosperity for a few years now, and this idea came to me so suddenly and gave me goosebumps that I knew that this was what I needed to do. I also want to shift the current energy around me and around those who are my friends and family and help them find the power within themselves to make their lives better.

So, are you ready to give it a try? Are you willing to see if it will work or not? If you need any help, please don't hesitate to contact me or if you have questions about this, please let me know.

This should be fun and you should have fun while doing it! After all, if it ain't fun, don't do it!

I should also point out that I cannot guarantee any results for anyone, since results may vary depending on how consistent you are in following the steps. I do not promise fame, fortune, or any other results from you participating in this experiment.

If you are concerned about this being some kind of witchcraft or spell or that it may go against any Christian religion, just know that in the Bible, it says, "So as you sow, so shall you reap", and that most of the successful atheletes and actors and celebrities you know and hear about use some type of visiualization (which is what this is), to attain their success.

They thought it first, felt the feeling of success and then it happened!

And, I just don't want to do this all by myself! :)

Good luck and let me know your results before July 2, 2009.

Thank You Cards for the Troops

2009-05-18T13:18:00.004-05:00

May 16, 2009, was Armed Services Day. In honor of our troops serving this great country of ours, Crawford Writing & Marketing is having a Thank You Card Drive from now until July 1, 2009.

All cards and donations will be given to Operation Minnesota Nice before this year's Independence Day celebration on July 4, 2009.

Here's how it works:

For the price of $5.00, a handwritten Thank You Card will be given with your name in the signature and the money and the cards will be given to Operation Minnesota Nice.

Operation Minnesota Nice is an organization that adopts soldiers of all branches of the military who don't receive mail or gifts from family or friends because of financial problems or illness or other situations. It helps to keep the morale up of those service men and service women who are serving this country keeping us safe and free.

Just to make this clear, 100% of the profits of this drive, every single penny will be given to this wonderful organization.

With the recent price increase in postage, this group needs monetary donations now more than ever to keep the mail going out to our troops.

If you don't wish to purchase a Thank You Card, donations in any amount will be accepted. Even just one dollar ($1) will add up and make a difference.

To Donate, just click here and enter any amount you wish:

To purchase a Thank You Card, just click here:

As a proud Navy Mom, I thank you for your generosity and I will keep you updated with our progress.

1st Annual Summer Writing Contest

2009-05-18T12:32:00.005-05:00

Here are the details:

PRIZES (overall winners):

GRAND PRIZE: $500 CASH
SECOND PRIZE: $300 CASH
THIRD PRIZE: $200 CASH

HONORABLE MENTIONS (4): $50 CASH each category.

Deadline: July 1, 2009

Manuscript Length: 2,000 words maximum

Open to anyone sixteen (16) years of age and older.

Entry Fee: $10 (non-refundable)

Winners Announced/Prizes Awarded: August 1, 2009

Categories:

Personal Essay
Humor
Short Story (Fiction)
Fantasy / Science Fiction

NO POETRY PLEASE!

Entries must be original, unpublished works with no graphic sex, violence, cruelty to children or animals, etc.

Multiple submissions are accepted with a $10 entry fee with each manuscript. If sending multiple submissions, total the amount of entry fees in one check or money order.

Please have all contact information (name, address, phone number, email address) on title page only. Please number each page.

Mail entries to:

CRAWFORD WRITING & MARKETING

WRITING CONTEST

P.O.BOX 76

ZIMMERMAN, MN 55398

Or, for online entries:

Pay entry fee through PayPal at this button:

and send manuscripts to crawfordwriting@yahoo.com with "Contest Entry" in the subject line, in the body of an email. Please have contact information at the top of the email.

Have fun and Good Luck!

Contest Changes Effective Immediately

2009-05-16T22:40:00.003-05:00

For all of you who have asked and requested, I am opening up submissions for my writing contest to anyone sixteen (16) years of age or older.

Yes, all of you adults that contacted me, you can enter at will.

I am also extending the deadline to July 1, 2009, instead of June 1, 2009.

Winners will be announced and prizes given out on August 1, 2009.

The cash prizes remain the same, and the rules will mostly remain the same. I will allow PG-rated content, but still don't want any graphic sex, violence, cruelty to animals, children, etc. in the entries.

I have had several people say that they would enter if it wasn't for the age requirement I placed on the contest, so I'm flexible, and decided that would allow more writers to enter and have a chance to win some cold, hard cash, which we all can use these days in this economy.

There will be contest for the younger writers coming soon, to be fair to them and give them a chance to win and enter. So, keep tuned in and watch for an announcement very soon.

The fees will remain the same, a $10 non-refundable, entry fee with each manuscript entered in each category.

You can enter as many manscripts as you want and total the amount for the entry fees and enter as many categories as you want. I will accept one payment for the total of the entry fees for multiple submissions.

I want to see some great entries, and writing that will knock me out of my chair, so get writing and send them in!

The challenge is on!

I am also offering in honor of Armed Forces Day, which is today, a Thank You Card to our Troops currently serving this great country of ours. The Thank You Card is handwritten by me and costs $5, will every penny going to my favorite charity, Operation Minnesota Nice. Operation Minnesota Nice adopts soldiers of every branch of the service who don't receive mail or much needed supplies from home, either because their families cannot afford to send them anything or they have no family, or some other situation. The price of postage just went up on May 11, 2009, so they can use the money to keep sending gifts and supplies and notes of encouragement to our Troops.

The Thank You Card is an actual card, that will be given to the Troops with your name written on it, with the monetary donations on July 1, 2009, in time for Independence Day.

I will also except monetary donations of any amount. Even if you just give $1.00, it will add up and make a huge difference.

Thank you and Good Luck to all of you!

Laura M. Crawford
Crawford Writing & Marketing

1st Annual Summer Writing Contest

2009-04-18T00:42:00.006-05:00

****Contest Details Updated on May 16, 2009. ****

Here's the basic information:

GRAND PRIZE: $500 cash
SECOND PRIZE: $300 cash
THIRD PRIZE: $200 cash

AGES: 16 TO 900 years old

WORD LIMIT: MAXIMUM 2,000 words per manuscript

CATEGORIES: Personal Essay, Humor, Fictional Short Story, and Fantasy/Science Fiction

DEADLINE: JULY 1, 2009

WINNERS ANNOUNCED: AUGUST 1, 2009

ENTRY FEE: $10 per manuscript. Entry fees are non-refundable.

ONLINE ENTRIES: Send payment to PayPal by clicking the button below. Once payment has been processed, you may send your manuscript in the body of an email to: crawfordwriting@yahoo.com.

MAIL-IN ENTRIES: Please send check or money order made payable to Crawford Writing & Marketing to :

CRAWFORD WRITING & MARKETING
WRITING CONTEST
P.O.BOX 76
ZIMMERMAN, MN 55398

Manuscripts must be typed or printed on standard white paper, with 14 pt. Font, double spaced in English with 1 inch margins. Cover sheet must have contestant's name, address, age, email address, phone number, category and approximate number of words.

Online submissions must include contestant's name, age, category and approximate number of words per manuscript. If submitting more than one manuscript via online, please send a separate email for each manuscript. If manuscripts are emailed with no payment, they will not be read, and will be considered disqualified and deleted after
AUGUST 1, 2009.

Manuscripts containing extreme and graphic violence, sexual situations, etc. will not be permitted, nor cruelty to children or animals. Please keep them PG-rated to G-rated.

NO POETRY PLEASE.

Each manuscript must be in one of the above categories, and be original, unpublished works. Any plagiarism is grounds for immediate disqualification.

If you wish to have your manuscript returned, please include a SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope) with the correct amount of postage. Manuscripts not chosen for prizes will be recycled and/or deleted once the winners are announced on AUGUST 1, 2009.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to email me at crawfordwriting@yahoo.com.

SO, DON'T DELAY! ENTER TODAY!